Police Recruits Graduate

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service welcomed eight men and four women as its newest police officers at a graduation ceremony late last week.

At the event, which followed 16 weeks of intensive training, the young officers presented their first salute and march past before Her Excellency the Governor, Helen Kilpatrick, CB, at the Harquail Theatre on Thursday, 17 July 2014.

Inside the auditorium, they received their certificates. Some also picked up special awards for their achievements, in front of families, friends and other guests.

Awardees were: PC Powell who was judged Best Overall Recruit; PC McLaughlin, named Best Academic Student; and PC Bodden who earned the Team Spirit Award.

Praising their hard work and commitment, the Governor commented: "Your dedication to helping to reduce the burden of crime on the people of the Cayman Islands is admirable and I encourage you to take pride in your purpose as a police officer." The Governor also welcomed the presence of women among the new graduates. She further recalled being delighted when hearing about the recruitment drive in October last year because "all organisations need to recruit and train new staff to benefit from fresh ideas and renewed motivation."

Commissioner David Baines, OBE, highlighted the rigorous training and the sanctity of the oath of office that the graduates took upon completion of their course.

"The simplicity of the oath is that it has no exceptions or qualification. It is a commitment to serve all, regardless of status, nationality or gender, to one standard and to do so to the best of their ability," Mr. Baines underscored.

Noting that these police officers come from the same community they serve, he urged them to guard the Cayman Islands' public without fear or favour while always displaying humanity and caring in the manner in which they engage with the people. The recruitment campaign targeting those between 18 and 30 years, launched on 1 October 2013, and attracted over 500 applicants. This was sifted down to 200 candidates, based on recruitment criteria. The final 12 were then selected through written exams, physical tests, presentations and interviews, the audience heard.

Trainer and master of ceremonies PC Halston Farley noted that in addition to four weeks of relevant practical training, the new officers would continue to learn as part of a two-year probationary period. "Your journey has just begun; continue to abide by your promise to the organization and your communities at large. Learning has not ceased just because you have completed your training," he told the graduates.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of his fellow graduates for all the training opportunities, including team-building exercises, PC Thompson said the group was now better equipped for their police duties, and had received "invaluable life lessons moving forward", as well as advanced their self-knowledge.